Brian.

How to Pracitice (The Way to a Meaningful Life) by the Dalai Lama Synopsis How To Practise is a major inspirational work, by one of the world's greatest spiritual teachers. It is broken down into the basic steps to enlightenment: how to practice morality, how to practice meditation, and how to practise wisdom, whilst simultaneously delving deeper into His Holiness' more general teachings, his spirit, wisdom and sense of humour. The book, meant to be used as part of daily practice, is easy to understand and filled with anecdotes. It includes guidance on peace of mind, generosity, compassion, and much more besides. Beautifully packaged, this is the ultimate gift from the Dalai Lama, and a wonderful gift to give to anyone interested in having a richer, more fulfilled life. (Taken from Amazon) My Thoughts I've read this book previously, many years ago so I thought I should revisit it. When I picked it off the bookshelf it had a bookmark stuck in so it appears I tried to read it again in 2005 but gave up about half way through. I don't agree entirely with the above synopsis when it mentions that it is easy to understand. Whilst this is true in the most part, the later sections of the book are very hard going and I would have thought that a reader with little or no prior knowledge of Buddhist psychology would have complete brain melt reading it. It does lend it self to being a long term guide/companion to buddhist study and that is where it is aimed. The Dalai Lama does have a good way with words and his explaination of topics in general is very good, especially for the uninitiated. It should also be noted that he does not shy away from controversial topics which some scholars avoid like the plague. The Dalai Lama has written many books which deal with themes in everyday life with a Buddhist slant in it. Whilst this certainly isn't one of those and for this reason and the complexity of the later chapters I have given in 2/5. It's an interesting read but by no means an easy one. 2/5 (It was ok)

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne Synopsis 'The sea is everything. It covers seven tenths of the terrestrial globe. Its breath is pure and healthy. It is an immense desert, where man is never lonely, for he feels life stirring on all sides.' Scientist Pierre Aronnax and his colleagues set out on an expedition to find a strange sea monster and are captured by the infamous and charismatic Captain Nemo and taken abroad the Nautilus submarine as his prisoners. As they travel the world's oceans, they become embroiled in adventures and events beyond their wildest dreams. Visionary in its outlook, Vern's 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea is a legendary science fiction masterpiece. (Taken from Amazon) My Thoughts The cover I have used above is merely for effect, the copy I managed to find at my local charity bookshop was printed in 1955 and so I just a light blue hardback. It's the kind of book which reminds me of reading a similar sized collection of Brer Rabbit stories when I was a nipper. I hadn't intended to read this so soon but I enjoyed Journey to the Centre of the Earth so much that I just couldn't wait. I knew nothing of the story before hand and I am glad I didn't as it only added to my enjoyment. I absolutely loved this, probably more in fact than Journey to the Centre of the Earth. I love the sense of adventure which Verne manages to capture. The small details also add real depth the story like all good science fiction. He mentions manometers used to measure depth and how the craft is propelled and steered. How he came up with this at a time when this kind of transport was almost un heard of is quite simply amazing. Again, there are few characters but by the end of the book they are fully formed people that draw an emotive reaction to their reactions and decisions. There are a few similarities with the charcters, a scientific 'master', a loyal 'servant' and a 'guide' of sorts. I simply have to read my way through all of Jules Verne's work now. Only 52 other novels to go 5/5 (It was amazing)

OK, but the offer still stands if you want to read it in the future.

I managed to pick up a 1955 published edition of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea today so I've started to read that. I enjoyed Journey to the Centre of the Earth so much that I couldn't wait.

62 isn't normal and I don't think I will be repeating it any time soon. I usually go for 30 or so when I head out for the day as I don't get out caching all that often. I also have the bonus of living in an area where there are loads of caches within a 10 mile radius of where I live.

A quick update, I am just over 100 pages into 2666 and so far I'm finding it ok. It seems to me that so far it has all been about building the characters and their relationships to each other. The story is just heading into Mexico so hopefully it starts to absorb me a bit better from here on in. One thing I have noticed is that Bolano like to repeat certain things which I find a little needless.

Both of those Orwell books are going on my wishlist, I've heard many good things about Down and Out in Paris and London.

I determined not to give up on it, I've already decided that if need be I'll just read 10 pages a day until I've done it unless I really really hate it.

Got 60 pages into 2666 by Roberto Bolano and I am really not sure what to make of it. Not sure where it is going and I'm not sure I get Bolano's style but I guess I've got another 850 pages to 'get it'.

Picked up another 62 today, covering a distance of 14miles cross country on foot. My legs sure are going to be sore in the morning. I really love the weather we've been having recently, out in the countryside it just seems so peaceful.

I am unsure where to go next with my reading, I have a large TBR list and managed to clear some space today by donating a load of books to a local charity shop. I have 2666 by Roberto Bolano sitting on the shelf which I want to read this year so I guess I should make a start on it soon. The thing is, its 900 pages long so I am going to read it alongside other books to prevent fatigue. I decided that if I can read 10 pages a day (an easy thing to do) then I'll get through it in 90 days. That just leaves me which what to read alongside it next, ive got a few titles in mind but I just can't seem to decide. I have Zen and the Art of Motorcyle Maintenance which comes highly recommended to me by one of my work mates. I also have The Redbreast by Jo Nesbo, The Shipping News by E. Annie Proulx, I, Robot and various others to choose from. It really shouldn't be that difficult as I find it to decide. Kidsmum - If you want I can send you the book then you can read it at your leisure and return it when done.

Going Buddhist by Peter J. Conradi Synopsis About twenty years ago, Peter Conradi's life hit the bumpers, and he began suffering from terrifying panic attacks. This book is his account of the new life-journey he embarked on back then, when, with the help of his friend and mentor Iris Murdoch, he began to explore Buddhism. Full of wise comedy, this is a self-help book for cynics, in which Conradi seeks to explain the beauty of Buddhism, a religion now more relevant than ever to Westerners, perishing from the nihilism of the age. (Taken from Amazon) My Thoughts I am going to do this review a little different to my usual ones. Instead of saying what I think about the style of writing I am going to look more at the content. The main reason for this is that its non-fiction and although I have read about Buddhism extensively I am no expert. I should also add that this is the second time I have read this, I'm not sure why I decided to pick it off the bookcase, it just jumped out at me. I will start off by saying that I really dislike the fact that in the synopsis this is labelled as a self-help book. I have nothing against self-help books, I have read a few and they all have raised some good point with me. However, as far as my experience goes, slef help books are set out in a way that it tell you what steps to take. I always think these are set up like manuals for life because at the end of the day thats what they aim to be. This book however is more about Conradi's thoughts on how Buddhism applies to western life along with some history of the Shambhala lineage. It also contains information about how to meditate and certain aspects of Buddhist life but at no point did I find it at all preachy. I also find the mention in the synopsis that he embarks on a 'new life journey' a bit misleading with regards the content. There is no denying that his decision and luck in deciding to enquire has had a huge effect on his life. However, it does not contain 'I was rich and unhappy, I found Buddha and now everything amazing' which is what I think it is pointing towards. I really liked the book, it lays some facts down that are often mis-understood with regards to Buddhism and also explores some of the difference in the sects. This isn't a theoretical exercise but just covers a few main differences between the differing regions without imposing what is the correct approach. Also mixed in along the way are stories about Iris Murdoch, an author and Buddhism who became his mentor along the way. The tales he tell about her and their discussions remind me a lot of the stories about Buddhist masters and their students even though she wasn't a 'master'. The relationship is an interesting one, there is obvious mutual respect but its clear that her speech is carefully measured and she challenges him along the way. In a lot of respects he does the same to her, sometime on purpose, other times by complete accident. The only reason I haven't given the book 5/5 is that at times Conradi's approach is a bit wordy. I don't think that this is intentional, I just think that he has a better education and grasp of the psychology of the mind. At no point is it over the top and I would say 99% of it I understood without having to consult a dictionary to confirm the meaing of certain words. I would recommend this book as the 2nd to read for anyone interested in looking at a western approach to Buddhism. The 1st I would recommend is Buddhism Without Beliefs by Stephen Batchelor which is a fantastic introdution and a book I have read many times. 4/5 (I really liked it)

Ive got a few different Mezrich's books and I really enjoyed all the ones that I've read and even re-read Bringing Down the House numerous times. Never read Sex on the Moon, what is it about? As for Danny Wallace I've read Yes Man and thought it was ok but never felt compelled enough to read any of his other books. I have to admit that the only reason I bought the Mezrich books were that they were on a special offer one day at HMV and I couldn't pass on it. If you really like Bringing Down the House you should check out The Great Casino Heist by Richard Marcus as it follows a similar vein. Its a true account of how a team of casino grifters come up with a new way to beat the roulette tables. The method they used was ingeniously simple and yet hugely effective until casinos started to ban them and they have to travel farther afield to make their money.

Well I never, there are 3 within a few miles of me. I've always just taken any books ive had to get rid of into the shops themselves.

Ha ha, I noticed you weren't too many pages from the end , thats why I asked. Got lots of books on the go at the same time I assume?

Slam by Nick Hornby Synopsis Just when everything is coming together for Sam, his girlfriend Alicia drops a bombshell. Make that ex-girlfriend—because by the time she tells him she's pregnant, they've already called it quits. Sam does not want to be a teenage dad. There's only one person Sam can turn to—his hero, skating legend Tony Hawk. Sam believes the answers to life's hurdles can be found in Hawk's autobiography. But even Tony Hawk isn't offering answers this time—or is he? In this wonderfully witty, poignant story about a teenage boy unexpectedly thrust into fatherhood, it's up to Sam to make the right decisions so the bad things that could happen, well, don't. (Taken from Goodreads) My Thoughts I got this book from our very own Frankie as a swap (more people need to do this) and its been sitting on the shelf for a while looking a little neglected. I started reading it last night and managed to blaze through in no time at all. It's the first Nick Hornby book that I've read and maybe it wasn't the one to start with. This is aimed at the Young Adult market which is something that I wouldn't normally read but I will give most things a go at least once. The language used is meant to be typical of teenagers and I found it a bit too much at times. Sam has a habit of saying DER!!! which gets a bit warying as it's used far too often. The story itself is fine and there are some really funny moments in it, so much so, that I actually laughed out loud a few times. I got an odd look in the tattooist waiting room for this . There is a part where Sam runs away to Hastings and that just didn't work either for me. The act of running away was fine but what happened in Hastings just didnt seem right and felt nailed on. I liked the use of Tony Hawk in the book, we've all thought at times what would 'x' do in this situation. The plot device to whizzing Sam forward in the future is a bit naff after the first time as well. Despite all this it was an ok book, easy to get throuugh and like I said there was a fair bit of humour in there. I think I should search out some of Hornby's other, higher regarded titles. 2/5 (It was ok)

Managed to finish Catch-22 yet?

I have never seen a book recycling bin/skip before.

Trafficked by Sophie Hayes Synopsis He’d been her friend for years. He said he loved her. Then she realised she didn’t know him at all… When everything seemed to be falling apart in Sophie’s life, she was thankful for her friend Kas, who was always at the end of a phone, ready to listen and to offer comfort and advice. Her father’s cold dislike of her and then her parents’ divorce had left her with a deep distrust of men. But, gradually, Kas made her believe there was at least one man who truly cared about her. But she was wrong. At first when Sophie went to stay for a few days with Kas in Italy, he was kind and caring, as he’d always been. But three days after she arrived, everything changed. His eyes were cold as he described the things he expected her to do ‘for love’. But soon Sophie’s bewilderment turned to fear as he punched and shouted at her and threatened to kill her adored younger brothers if she didn’t do exactly as she was told…to sell her body on the streets to pay off Kas’s debts. Terrified of Kas, the police and the men whose pleasures she was forced to satisfy, Sophie worked seven nights a week for the next six months on the dark and lonely streets of a town in northern Italy. Subjected regularly to Kas’s verbal, mental and physical abuse, she knew she would never escape. (Taken from Goodreads) My Thoughts I picked this up as part of a 2 for £7 deal at local supermarket, I only really bought it because I wanted The Sisters Brothers and I'm a sucker for a special offer. I quite like a bit of true crime and although this doesn't really fit into that category I have read 2 similar books in the past and I shall be refering to these at times as well. The other books are Slave Girl by Sarah Forsyth and 3,096 Days by Natascha Kampusch. This book has a closer tie to Slave Girl story wise but is far better written and feels most honest. She looks at the reasons she made certain decisions and tries to explain why she didn't try to run at certain times and how she feels she fell into the trap she did. She is also very keen to stress that she wasn't from a poor background and that trafficking can happen to anyone if they are not careful. In the same way as 3,096 Days I found this to be very quick read and towards the end of the book I was constantly wondering when she would get away and what would happen next. This isn't down to the way it's written (its not sensationalist) but the fact that you are willing her to safety at every step. As bad as it sounds Slave Girl came across to me as if it was over told in places. That is not to take away from the struggles but looking at reviews once I read it it seems others felt the same way. Trafficked does not feel like this, the story takes place over a shortish time frame and is laid bare as is. I think this is a great book and would recommend it to anyone who enjoyed 3,096 Days. 4/5 (I really liked it)

Those Jules Verne covers are awesome, makes me want to buy the lot as it would be rude to have lonely ones on the shelf.

Journey to the Centre of the Earth by Jules Verne Synopsis When an eccentric professor acquires an ancient book, a riddle on a spare piece of parchment tucked neatly within its pages leads him and his nephew on an unparalleled adventure. The unlocked riddle brings them to a remote mountain on Iceland, where they enter an extinct volcano on a daring quest to reach the center of the earth. They soon find themselves at a giant underground ocean where the laws of science are constantly redefined and prehistoric creatures are in abundance. But in the bowels of the earth, a shocking discovery pits the travellers face to face with their own terrifying past. (Taken from Amazon) My Thoughts I picked this up at a charity shop a few days ago and it may have sat on my TBR pile for a while if it wasnt for the wonderful cover you see above. The version I have was published in 1965 and its incredible to think that the book was originally written in 1864. This is exactly the kind of story I would have loved to read as a child and I'm a little disapointed that I've only just got round to reading it. The desriptions of the places visited along with the mix of scientific theory works very well together. I think what makes it especially appealing to younger readers is the fact that the story is told from the point of view of the youngest character, Axel. Jules Verne keeps the excitement ticking along as the story progresses with a few really nice twists along the way. The language used is both formal enough so as to not feel dumbed down and not rigid enough that it gets tiresome. I loved the book and picked up Around the World in Eighty Days on the strength of it. 5/5 (It was amazing)

I'm up to 20 off the list now having read Catch 22 and Journey to the Centre of the Earth this month.

Just finished reading Journey to the Centre of the Earth and I loved it, proper review coming shortly. I was in town this morning just hanging around waiting for some glasses to be made (found out today I'm a little short sighted, especially in poor light) and found a new charity bookshop. The gentleman inside told me its been open since about the start of the year but it was the first time I had come across it. It was a little treasure trove, I could have come away with load of books but I always feel slightly guilty being greedy in charity bookshops. In the end I came away with The White Tiger - Aravind Adiga The Day of the Triffids - John Wyndham Around the World in Eighty Days - Jules Verne On Chesil Beach - Ian McEwan (I'm prepared to give him another chance, I hated Amsterdam) A Thousand Splendid Suns - Khaled Hosseini Birdsong - Sebastian Faulks All for £6, in the end I gave them £10 because I was so happy about what I found. I'm going to donate a load of books there next week that have been sitting in my swap thread for a while.

Would love to hear your thoughts on The Hare With Amber Eyes once you have read it. I've seen it in a few shops but always decided against it.